I am currently in Sidney-by-the-Sea, BC - enjoying the Thanksgiving festivities with my family. Turkey dinner is happening tonight and I could not be more excited. Mmm mmm. In the spirit of this holiday, I have created a succinct list of all the things I am thankful for...

1. This experience - what an opportunity it has been! So much to say. Stay tuned for lots of reflection in the coming weeks.

2. Chevrolet Canada - I can't imagine doing the cross-Canada journey without "my" 2011 Chevy Cruze. Archie has become my partner in crime - the only constant I have had throughout the 3 months on the road. He has played the best tunes, provided a great place to snooze, been thoughtful with his gas intake, and never ever let me down. 17, 000 KM later and I still think that he is the best! It's going to be tough to say goodbye. (Yes, I am a crazy car lady. Haha)

3. The Pepsi Refresh Project - the funding that started it all. The long days of planning, designing this website, hounding everyone for their daily votes, and living in a constant state of anxiety for two months - it all worked out! I am so grateful to be a member of the Pepsi Refresh Project grantee family!

4.Henry's - my equipment friends. It still amazes me that they stepped up to the plate and offered me such an amazing video camera that I use on a daily basis. I couldn't have created any of the videos without it!

5. Anyone who has sponsored me in some way - so many people have fed me, housed me, and thrown a couple bucks my way. I am so appreciative of each and every kind gesture.

6. The non-profit organizations that have been involved in this journey. I have not yet been disappointed by any of my volunteer visits. I am really glad that I have had the ability to discover and share some of the most innovative, successful, and passionate change-makers in Canada. I am so grateful that these organizations exist and that the people who work/volunteer for them are willing to (often) be overworked, underpaid, and understaffed just to ensure that some kind of change happens. Amazing human beings.

7. My family. How cool is it that my parents flew all the way out to British Columbia to enjoy Thanksgiving with my brother, his ladyfriend and I? Pretty cool. It feels/smells like home - except with the ocean and mountain views.

8. Anyone who has taken the time to read my posts, engage in my project, send me a kind e-mail or offer encouraging words. The past 3 months have been incredibly challenging for a variety of reasons, but it has also been incredibly fulfilling and I can't thank you enough for being a part of it!

9. My friends. I have nice friends, but there a select few who have gone above and beyond to support me throughout this journey. You know who you are. I heart you, so much.

10. Canada. It's beautiful and has provided the most amazing backdrop for this experience. I love, love, love my home and native land.

I hope that you have had the best Thanksgiving, wherever you are. I am going to go stuff my face now.

Hi Friends,It's no secret that I am a lover of all things artistic. The majority of my "adult" life has revolved around studying, supporting, promoting and respecting the arts community. After finalizing my Ottawa dates for the roadtrip (August 25th - 29th), I discovered that a major volunteer-run music festival was taking place at the exact same time. Fate!!

Folk Festival? Are they even a non-profit?!You betcha! The Ottawa Folk Festival is a non-profit, volunteer-based community organization that was formed in 1994. What is it?"Set amidst the natural beauty of Hog's Back Park, the Ottawa Folk Festival is a four-day celebration of music, dance, visual arts and community featuring an eclectic mix of musical performances on two evening and five daytime stages, plus participatory music workshops, special children's and family performances, wellness activities, beer gardens, artisan and craft vendors, and much, much more. We are family-friendly, community-focused, culturally diverse and committed to sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives."

----------------------------------------------------------------------Oh, boy! I am so very excited to be able to experience the festival scene as a volunteer. Canada is known for their GREAT musical festivals - I think it's safe to say that they're an important part of the summer culture all across the country. So many of them rely on their volunteers to have a successful event, and the Ottawa Folk Festival is no different. This is going to be a really unique opportunity because we will be able to experience many different volunteer options over the course of one weekend.....plus the amazing tunes and local arts community! Psyched!Interested in volunteering at the Folk Festival too? Click HERE.Happy trails & travels!Warmly,Becky xoP.S. Check out a great video HERE about the festival's GREEN initiatives! So awesome!

What is this?

Welcome! My name is Becky. I took a roadtrip across Canada, from July to November 2011. This roadtrip was a special one though, because it had reason!Go through my blog history to catch up on my 4-month cross-Canada roadtrip where I supported small non-profit organizations and explored the idea of volunteerism. It was so inspiring, life changing and so much FUN...Click HERE to get put on my e-mailing list! You can also check me out on twitter or facebook!